On Thursday March 8 the Boston Celtics arrive at the Target Center to face their host the Timberwolves. In their last game the Celtics ousted the Chicago Bulls easily despite Kyrie Irving’s absence. The Timberwolves lost their last outing to the Utah Jazz.

Last season the Celtics swept the Timberwolves and took the initial game in Boston this season. The Celtics hold the all-time record having bested the Timberwolves in 35 of their 55 matches.

Boston Celtics

After leading the Eastern Conference for most of the season the Celtics find themselves chasing the Toronto Raptors who overtook Boston just prior to the All-Star Break.

Though the Raptors have five post break back to back sets the Celtics have the more difficult schedule. With the Cavaliers trailing them by seven games in the loss column the main focus for Boston will be remaining within striking distance to reclaim first place.

The Celtics will play the Raptors on March 31 and April 4, so the top seed may not be confirmed until those games are played.

Boston still has ten road games to play and of those six are on the opposite coast.

Kyrie Irving sat the last game versus the Bulls as he deals with knee soreness. Irving is expected to play Thursday vs. the Wolves as the Celtics try to get him rest vs. lower seeds and have him available for top tier squads.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The loss to the Jazz marked a second consecutive loss versus teams battling for position on the west playoff ladder. The previous match the Wolves lost to the Blazers.

Last week the Wolves had replaced the Spurs in third and with the losses dropped down to sixth. Both games occurred on the road which is the biggest issue for Minnesota particularly without Jimmy Butler to right the storm.

Aaron Brooks was out the last two games dealing with personal matter and his presence is questionable for Thursday.

After suffering the meniscus injury Jimmy Butler underwent surgery and is expected to miss between four and six weeks which would have him returning possibly just prior to the playoffs.

NBA Betting Trends:

Over is 6-1-1 in Celtics last 8 overall.

Over is 9-2 in Wolves last 11 overall.

Wolves are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

Home team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Minnesota.

Free Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Prediction:

Boston boasts a healthy 22-9 road record but the Wolves are 25-7 at the Target Center. Key for the Wolves will be Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins raising their games enough to overcome Boston’s top ranked defense.

4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Wolves +1.5

Since the break the Celtics have focused more on offense where they rank second, but their defense has fallen to tenth in this same time frame. If Boston wants to win they’ll need to slow the offensively skilled Wolves, so they’ll need a more balance two-way effort.

NBA Free Score Prediction: Wolves 110 – Celtics 108

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About Tamberlyn Richardson

The Queen of the NBA is based in Toronto, Canada, The Managing Editor of Sixteen Wins A Ring. In addition, she is the Editor of Thunderous Intentions, an OKC Thunder site and a featured columnist for ESPN True Hoop Affiliate, Raptors Republic. Aside from her written work she hosts a podcast - Tamberlyn’s Tip-Off. Stay tuned for winning NBA predictions night after night!

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